John Miller
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, constituting their own kingdom of living things, separate from plants and animals. They are characterised by their lack of chlorophyll and inability to photosynthesise, instead gaining energy from other organisms. The part of the mushroom that is visible and edible is only a small part of the organism, with the majority of its body existing as long, web-like strands called mycelium, which grow into the dead thing the mushroom is eating. Mushrooms reproduce by spreading spores, which are carried by the wind and, if they land in a suitable spot, will grow into a new mushroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Fungi |
| Energy Source | Other organisms |
| Life Cycle | Most of it takes place underground or beneath the bark of dead or living trees |
| Reproduction | Produce spores instead of seeds |
| Duration | Don't last very long |
| Types | Parasites, Saprophytes, Mycorrhiza |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are fungi, not plants or animals
One key difference between mushrooms and plants is that mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. In contrast, mushrooms obtain their energy from other organisms, similar to animals.
Another distinction is that mushrooms reproduce by spreading spores, rather than producing seeds or fruits like plants. These spores are tiny and can be carried by the wind to new locations, where they germinate and develop into new mushrooms.
Fungi, including mushrooms, play important roles in various scientific and culinary applications. For example, penicillin, the world's first antibiotic, is produced by a type of mould, which is a fungus. Yeast, another type of fungus, is used in fermentation processes for bread, wine, and beer production.
In addition to their scientific and culinary uses, mushrooms also have ecological significance. They can be broadly categorized into three groups based on their relationship with plants: saprophytes, parasites, and mycorrhiza. Saprophytes, such as white button, crimini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, grow on dead organic matter and extract nutrients from it. Parasites, on the other hand, grow on living trees and plants, extracting their nutrients, which can be detrimental to the host organism. Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of living trees, exchanging minerals and nutrients mutually beneficially.
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They reproduce by spreading spores
Mushrooms are part of the Fungi kingdom, which also includes moulds, yeasts, smuts, and rusts. Fungi are distinct from plants and animals, as they do not produce energy through photosynthesis and instead gain energy from other organisms.
Mushrooms reproduce by spreading spores, which are like "seeds" for fungi. These spores are produced in structures called fruiting bodies. They are tiny, almost as fine as smoke, and can be dispersed by the wind, water, or by hitching a ride on an animal. The spores are smaller and lighter than plant seeds, allowing them to float on wind currents and travel long distances. When spores land in a suitable, moist environment with enough water and food, they germinate and grow into new mushrooms. This process is similar to how plant seeds develop into new plants.
A common field mushroom can produce up to one billion offspring in a single day through this process of spreading spores. If you place a mushroom cap gills-down on a piece of paper, you will find a print made from the fine dust of spores after several hours. This illustrates the microscopic size of the spores, as it takes tens of thousands of them to cover a pinhead.
Fungi can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction involves the formation of spores through mitosis, resulting in spores that are genetically identical to the parent. These spores may be released externally or within a special reproductive sac called a sporangium. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, introduces genetic variation and typically occurs in response to adverse environmental conditions. It involves the fusion of gametes to form haploid spores, followed by the fusion of haploid nuclei to form the diploid mycelium. This life cycle enables genetic recombination, allowing fungi to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.
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They get energy from other organisms
Mushrooms are part of the Kingdom of Fungi, which is separate from the Kingdoms of Plants and Animals. Fungi have characteristics in common with both plants and animals, but they also have unique qualities. Unlike plants, mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and cannot make energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Instead, they get their energy from other organisms, similar to animals.
The part of the mushroom that we see and eat is just a small part of the organism. Most of a mushroom's body is underground and consists of long, web-like strands called mycelium. The mycelium grows into the dead thing the mushroom is eating and releases digestive enzymes to dissolve the dead tissue before absorbing it into its body. Mushrooms (and other fungi) are typically detritivores, meaning they break down and eat dead things.
Some mushrooms, called saprophytes, grow on dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, plant roots, and dead wood. They extract carbon dioxide and minerals from this dead material. This category includes many gourmet and medicinal types of mushrooms such as white button, crimini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
Other mushrooms, called parasites, grow on living trees and plants, extracting their nutrients. These fungi are also called the murderers among the mushrooms. Once the tree or bush has died, the dead matter is cleaned up by the saprophytes. Porcini mushrooms, chanterelles, and truffles are part of this group.
A third group of fungi, called mycorrhiza or mycorrhizae, form a symbiotic association with the roots of living trees. They take sugars and nutrients from the tree but give back minerals and essential elements, enlarging the root system of their hosts. Many trees, orchids, and other plants cannot live without these fungal partners.
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They grow from mycelium, a network of filaments
Mushrooms are part of the Fungi kingdom, a classification distinct from plants and animals. Fungi are characterised by their unique method of obtaining energy. Unlike plants, they do not use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy; instead, fungi derive their energy from other organisms, similar to animals.
Fungi, including mushrooms, start their lives as mycelium, a network of filaments that grow into and digest dead organic matter. This network of filaments infuses a patch of soil or wood, and when conditions are favourable, it develops a fruiting structure—a mushroom—which emerges from the ground or a tree. The mycelium releases digestive enzymes to break down dead tissue, which it then absorbs for nutrients.
Mycelium can remain underground for extended periods, waiting for the right conditions to form a mushroom. These conditions include the presence of food, humidity, and temperature. When these requirements are met, the mycelium forms buds that seek daylight, eventually growing into a mushroom.
The mushroom is the reproductive structure of the fungus, producing and spreading spores by wind dispersal. These spores are minuscule, almost like smoke, and when they land in a suitable environment, they germinate and develop into a new mycelium, continuing the life cycle of the fungus.
Thus, mushrooms are the visible and edible part of the fungus, while the mycelium constitutes most of the fungus's body, remaining hidden underground or beneath the bark of trees.
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They are useful to humans for medicine and food
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, often added to meals for their savoury flavour. They are neither plants nor animals but belong to their own kingdom of living things, distinct from plants and animals. Fungi get their energy from other organisms, unlike plants, which create energy through photosynthesis.
Mushrooms are useful to humans for both food and medicine. They are fat-free, low-calorie, low-sodium, and cholesterol-free. They are also packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The nutritional benefits vary depending on the type of mushroom. For example, cremini or portabella mushrooms are a good source of selenium. Maitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, and shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B6. Mushrooms are also a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
In terms of medicinal value, mushrooms have been used for their unique ability to add flavour in many different cultures' cuisines. They can be used as a substitute for red meat, helping to reduce cholesterol, fat, and calorie intake. Research also shows that mushrooms can help to lower the risk of cancer. A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower the risk of cancer by up to 45%.
Additionally, mushrooms are the only type of produce that contains vitamin D. They can increase their vitamin D content when exposed to UV light or sunlight. White button, portabella, and cremini mushrooms are good sources of vitamin D after sun exposure.
Overall, mushrooms offer a range of nutritional and medicinal benefits that make them a valuable addition to human diets.
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